Do you know how to speak Mormonese?

When entering into a world mission field, if a missionary does not take the time to know the language of the people, then it is very hard to communicate the gospel in a way they can understand.

The same strategy applies for all Christians who desire to share the gospel with Mormons.

A Christian is encouraged to take the time learn the culture and the language of Mormonism. Without understanding the language dubbed as "Mormonese", then a Christian will get easily frustrated. The reason behind the confusion is that the teachings of Mormonism utilize words familiar to Christianity, but have a far different meaning.

To test your knowledge on the language of Mormonese, let's see how well you answer the following quiz.1. When a Mormon talks about Eternal Life, they mean: a) They are looking forward to going to heaven b) That everyone will live forever as a resurrected being c) To "inherit" a place in the Celestial Kingdom d) To reach the highest degree of glory in the Celestial kingdom and fulfill their divine potential to be a god.

Clue: Click Eternal Life in the Truth in Love Dictionary of Mormonism to help find the correct answer.

2. When a Mormon talks about conversion, they will mean a) That moment in time when they choose to commit themselves to follow Jesus b) A process one follows to change as a result of righteous efforts to follow Jesus c) What Christ initiates through the power of God's Word d) To accept the teachings of Mormonism and receive the opportunity to inherit eternal life. e) Both b and d

Clue: Click Conversion in the Truth in Love Dictionary of Mormonism to help find the correct answer.

3. When the topic of forgiveness of sins is taught, Mormons will understand it to mean: a) Remembering God's command to repent of our sins b) The importance of forgiving others who have offended or hurt them c) To seek God's forgiveness by going through a process of repentance which includes faith in Jesus Christ, sincere sorrow over sin, confession, abandonment of sin through a permanent resolve to never repeat that sin, restitution, and righteous living. d) All of the above

Clue: Click Forgiveness in the Truth in Love Dictionary of Mormonism to help find the correct answer.

4. When a Mormon talks about the Gospel, they will refer to as: a) The Good News of Jesus Christ b) Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness c) Principles and ordinances to live by d) Both b and c

Clue: Click Gospel in the Truth in Love Dictionary of Mormonism to help find the correct answer.

5. When a Mormon refers to the grace of God, they will mean: a) the divine help and strength we receive through Christ's atonement b) the undeserved love we receive from God who forgives all our sins c) the efforts required on our part to be worthy enough to receive Christ's enabling power. d) both a and c

Clue: Click Grace in the Truth in Love Dictionary of Mormonism to help find the correct answer.

So how did you do?

Let's review the correct answers.

Correct answers:

1. C Eternal life does not mean going to heaven, but reaching the highest kingdom of glory in the Celestial Kingdom. Also known as Exaltation, a perfected Mormon will receive their eternal family.

2. E Conversion is not only accepting the teachings of Mormonism, but also referred to as a "quiet, constant process." Great encouragement is given to Mormons to "strive for a greater conversion" by desiring to do good works and following the commands and ordinances of the LDS Church.

3. D All of the above. When the topic of forgiveness is talked about in Mormonism, the focus is on their work instead of Christ's completed work.

4. D The Gospel of Mormonism is all about obeying laws and principles also known as following God's plan for happiness.

5. D Christ is more than willing to give his power and help through His atonement, but it's not free. It requires our sincere and earnest efforts to be worthy enough to receive it.

Studying the language of Mormonism allows a Christian to be painfully aware of its false teachings and troubled that they present themselves as being professing Christians. By understanding Mormonese, you can share what God's Word really teaches about salvation, grace, and forgiveness in a way that a Mormon can understand.